They've been lifting trophies for the best part of 70 years but Moreland Zebras could conquer a new frontier in the FFA Cup 2019 Round of 32.
The Zebras already have a rich history, the pinnacle of which saw them crowned champions of Australia in 1985, but the Northern Melbourne club have endured a slight fall from those lofty heights.
Images courtesy of Moreland Zebras on Facebook
ADELAIDE OLYMPIC GUIDE: Debutants ready to make an impression
BAYSWATER CITY GUIDE: Riding the crest of a wave
BRISBANE STRIKERS GUIDE: Back in the national spotlight
Now competing in National Premier Leagues Victoria 2, the club that can boast previous stars such as Caltex Socceroos Marc Bresciano, Danny Tiatto and Andrew Nabbout will compete on the FFA Cup national stage for the first time when the travel to face local rivals Bulleen Lions in the Round of 32.
Proud of their trophy-laden roots and philosophy to develop young players, head coach and former Caltex Socceroo Fausto De Amicis' side will be determined to deliver in the club's biggest moment since winning the Victoria State League Divison 1 title in 2011 and sealing their return to the NPL.
CONFIRMED: FFA Cup 2019 Round of 32 Fixture Schedule
ROUND OF 32: Four fixtures you cannot afford to miss
Profile
Founded: 1948
Competition: National Premier Leagues Victoria 2 West
Home ground: CB Smith Reserve, Fawkner, Victoria
Honours: National Soccer League Champions: 1985
National Soccer League Southern Division Champions: 1985
National Soccer League Southern Division Minor Premiers: 1986
Victorian Champions: 11, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1970, 1991, 1998, 2004, 2011
Victorian Runners-Up: 8, 1962, 1967, 1969, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1997, 2007
Dockerty Cup: 5, 1960, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1977
CAMPBELLTOWN CITY GUIDE: Family of four aiming to take down City
COOMERA COLTS GUIDE: Gold Coast minnows have potential to stun
HUME CITY GUIDE: Victorian heavyweights out to show their FFA Cup pedigree
History
Formed in 1948 as Brunswick Juventus by a group of Italian migrants, the club quickly become the dominant force in Victorian football, filling their trophy cabinet in the 1950s by winning six state titles.
They declined entry to the National Soccer League in 1977 but finally joined up in 1984 and, as Brunswick United Juventus, delivered their greatest achievement the following year, winning the 1985 NSL championship with a 2-0 grand final victory against Sydney City over two legs.
A sprinkling of state titles arrived over the following years before a series of mergers from 1997 saw the club become Bulleen Zebras, Whittlesea Zebras and finally Moreland Zebras in 2011.
ROUND OF 32: Four fixtures you cannot afford to miss
FLASHBACK: Five incredible FFA Cup giant-killings
Key Players
Thomas Barforosh could well be the man providing the ammunition. The instinctive striker is leading the club's scoring charts this season with nine goals as of Monday 15 July. He also netted the crucial goal which put Moreland in the Round of 32 from long range in the 1-0 win against Altona Magic.
Nicolas Niagioran has helped fire the Zebras to second in the West with seven goals a goalkeeper Jack West-Astuti will be relied upon to step up on the big stage.
MAITLAND ULTIMATE GUIDE: Coalfields club determined to keep punching above their weight
MANLY UNITED ULTIMATE GUIDE: Boys from the beaches ready to make their mark
MARCONI STALLIONS ULTIMATE GUIDE: National giants out for FFA Cup honours
MELBOURNE KNIGHTS ULTIMATE GUIDE: NPL powerhouse out to stun the Cup holders
Round of 32 Match Details
Bulleen Lions v Moreland Zebras
Date: Wednesday, 24 July 2019
Venue: David Barro Stadium
Kick-off: 7:30pm AEST
Click here for ticket details
FFA Cup Round of 32: FC Bulleen Lions v Moreland Zebras